Brian Selznick has continued with the format of his brilliant The Invention Of Hugo Cabret to produce this tale of bereavement, loneliness, friendship and community. It is all contained in an overarching theme of the connectedness of life which can lead to resolution and contentment.
It is part written text and graphic novel. The text tells the story of Ben while the drawings tell an earlier story of Rose. In the end, the two come together in a poignant and hopeful conclusion.
Like Hugo Cabret this is marketed as a children’s book but it raises important questions about the things that make up our lives and where we find our ultimate sense of belonging.
Brian Selznick is rapidly becoming one of my favourite contemporary writers.
